The Clarion-Ledger reported that those were some of the recommendations unveiled Thursday night by Orion Planning Group, which spent this week formulating a long-term development plan for the area.

The most ambitious idea was the mixed-use "lifestyle center," a cluster of retail, hotel and residential space along a stretch of Government Street off Interstate 55 currently lined by gas stations and fast-food restaurants.

Orion partner Bob Barber said pedestrian and bike paths would transform downtown into a "park-once" district, eliminating many of the parking issues that have plagued downtown as Brandon has grown.